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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 threats that could sign away Talen Horton-Tucker

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at Staples Center on April 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Chicago Bulls

The motivation here for Talen Horton-Tucker is simple: he would be returning to his hometown to play for his hometown team. While I am sure his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has been positive, there is nothing like playing for your hometown team.

This move makes sense for the Chicago Bulls as well. The Bulls should have ample cap space to pay Horton-Tucker and still have more cap space as both Lauri Markannen and Cristiano Feliciano are free agents.

While there is at least a discussion to be had with Markannen, he has been very disappointing and they may not extend him. Letting him walk would free up $20.1 million and that is probably the right move to make.

Feliciano opens up a good amount of cap space as well. Renouncing his rights would open up $14.3 million in cap space. According to Spotrac, the max amount of cap space the Bulls can have if they renounce the rights to all upcoming free agents is $23.7 million and they will likely be close to that number.

THT would be a good pickup for the Bulls as it gives them someone who can help now and get better over time. They are obviously trying to win with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic but they also want to continue building a foundation. THT helps accomplish that.

Without a ton of cap space and with Chicago not being that great of a free-agent destination, it would not be shocking to see them offer Talen Horton-Tucker a respectable contract.

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